Ref 40 Ann Pre and KT120's
 

I have an opportunity to buy a mint condition Ref 40 Anniversary pre-amp at a very attractive price. Can the newer KT 120's be installed as a 'drop in' or does the pre-amp need to be sent to ARC for work before it is safe to use the newer tubes? Before I make a decision I would like to be sure. Has anyone done this yet? Thanks.

Someone made an excellent post about the tube switch recently. He said it wasn't necessarily a good idea because the higher power tubes could cause other parts of the amp to be overdriven resulting in damage because the unit was designed for the tubes it comes with.

Maybe they will chime in here.

Thank you....missed that post. Would be interested to read it.

The KT 120s are not to be used in Ref 40 or even the Ref 10. Only as driver tube in amps.

By the way---buy the Ref 40. You will not regret it.

Thanks for the information. It would be a nice upgrade from my Ref5 se and at the price offered will be hard to pass up.

I doubt that the KT120 can be used in the power supply of the REF40 - do not try it without contacting ARC directly!
Buy the REF40 fast - it was a great preamplifier at regular price, at a very attractive price it is a real deal! Next you should get an ARC amplifier using KT120's - the REF150 sounds great in the Amati Futura - I had this system in my room. :music:

Working on both of these things today. Will post when I pull the trigger!

Ref 40 is awesome. One of top preamps at any price.

willyjack... Welcome! :wave: